Lionel Messi will end speculation over his future by signing a new contract wth Barcelona, according to widespread reports in Spain.
The 30-year-old only has one year left on his current deal and could have potentially left Camp Nou for free next year.
But Messi has agreed to a new contract which will run until 2021, while the Argentine will have the option of an additional year.
Messi’s release clause will also be set at €300 million (£263m).
Messi is currently on his honeymoon after getting married to Antonella Roccuzzo last Friday but he will sign his new contract when he returns next week for pre-season training.
Manchester City have explored the possibility of signing Messi, who would then link up with former boss Pep Guardiola.
But last month, City’s chief executive Ferran Soriano admitted his efforts to land the Argentine were futile.
When asked if City had a chance of signing Messi, Soriano told Xinhua last month: ‘No. I don’t think so.
‘I know Messi very well. He and his family are my good friends.
‘At least next year, maybe he can finish that career. After that he can go to China or US, but now I think he will stay in Barcelona.’
COMMENTS